Wood-Destroying Insect Inspections
Thorough & Professional.
A WDI inspection Kalamazoo buyers and lenders require, protecting your real estate investment across Portage and Southwest Michigan.
Trust VexGuard for Expert WDI Inspections
I’m Scott, and my family has been running VexGuard Pest Control right here in West Michigan since 2012. When it comes to real estate transactions in Southwest Michigan, a comprehensive Wood-Destroying Insect (WDI) inspection is a critical step in ensuring the integrity of your property. Whether required by your lender or simply for peace of mind, VexGuard provides professional, affordable, and highly detailed WDI inspection reports—helping buyers, sellers, and homeowners make informed decisions with confidence.
What exactly does a WDI inspection check for?
We’re looking for signs of active or past infestations from wood-destroying insects like termites, carpenter ants, and wood-boring beetles. But it’s not just about finding bugs—we also look for conducive conditions, such as high moisture areas, wood-to-soil contact, and inadequate ventilation in crawlspaces, which can invite future problems and jeopardize the home’s structure.
Who needs this inspection?
Typically, homebuyers, sellers, and those refinancing their homes are the ones who need this service. Specifically, if you are utilizing a VA or FHA loan, a clear WDI inspection report is almost always a strict requirement before closing. Even for conventional loans or cash buyers, getting this inspection is just a smart way to protect your investment from hidden structural threats.
The NPMA-33 Form Explained
We use the industry-standard NPMA-33 form for all of our reports. In plain language, this form details the scope of our inspection, explicitly states whether evidence of wood-destroying insects was found, and outlines any conditions that could lead to an infestation. It’s the exact documentation your lender and real estate agent need to see to move forward.
General Pest vs. WDI Inspection
It’s important to understand the difference between a WDI inspection and a general home pest inspection. A standard pest inspection might look for mice, spiders, or roaches. A WDI inspection is highly specialized, focusing strictly on insects that compromise the structural wood of your home.
Report Turnaround and Validity
We know real estate transactions move quickly. That’s why we guarantee fast turnaround times. Your inspection report is typically generated and delivered within 24 to 48 hours of the inspection. Note that these reports have a limited validity window—usually 30 to 90 days depending on the lender—so scheduling at the right time is everything.
Fast & Flexible Scheduling
Inspections are typically completed within 24 to 48 hours, with weekend and after-hours appointments available for time-sensitive transactions.
Comprehensive NPMA-33 Reports
Each inspection includes a detailed NPMA-33 form (required for VA/FHA loans), identification of potential concerns, and recommendations for protection.
Hassle-Free Process
We keep a copy of your report on file for future reference, ensuring you have easy access to the information whenever you need it.
Our Local Service Area
Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Portage, Three Rivers, Paw Paw, Plainwell, Gobles, Mattawan, Texas Corners, and Schoolcraft.
Common Questions
Does a WDI inspection find termite damage that’s already happened?
Yes. We look for both active infestations and evidence of prior damage, such as shelter tubes, frass, or compromised wood, even if the insects are no longer present.
How long is the report valid?
Typically, lenders consider a WDI report valid for 30 to 90 days. We recommend scheduling the inspection as close to your closing date as your lender allows to ensure it doesn’t expire.
Do VA and FHA loans require this?
In almost all cases in Michigan, yes. VA and FHA loans mandate a clean NPMA-33 WDI report before they will approve the financing to ensure the home is structurally sound.
What happens if the inspection finds a problem?
If we find evidence of wood-destroying insects, we will detail it in the report and can provide a customized treatment plan and estimate to resolve the issue so your transaction can move forward.
